Help Fund a Life-Changing Study Abroad Trip for Caylie!

Hello all! For those of you who may not know me, I am Caylie McElroy, a sophomore student studying nursing at Saint Louis University! I started this GoFundMe campaign as a means to raise money for a trip I am very eagerly awaiting in January. I am lucky enough at SLU to have the opportunity to study abroad in the spring of my second year at the university’s beautiful campus is Madrid, Spain. The study abroad program is a huge part of my decision to go to SLU and has been something I have looked forward to hopefully embarking on within the next few months.

I know it may seem silly to raise money for a trip that is simply my own choice, but it truly means so much more to me than just sightseeing and traveling. Along with my nursing major, I am also working toward a minor in Spanish. I fell in love with the language through my years in high school and a really awesome Spanish teacher (if you see this Mrs. Mueller I am eternally grateful for you, you truly changed my life!!!). It has been a dream of mine to learn not only the language, but the culture of Spanish speaking countries. What better way for me to do that then to live in it for a few months! Being immersed in Spain and getting to study abroad would be a chance for me to learn more and to better prepare myself for the future. My wish is that one day as a nurse I will be able to provide the best care possible for those who may not speak English or understand how to communicate their needs. There are so many situations in healthcare settings where patient who aren’t fluent in English are unable to receive the care that they need because they aren’t understood. I want to be a part of the difference, and to make change. Although I can’t bridge every gap, I can at least be one to lay the foundation for a better healthcare experience for Spanish speaking individuals. Everyone deserves proper medical care and treatment.

The trip itself, however, comes with many expenses that I am expected to pay for out of pocket. Confirmation fees, student visa, flight costs, and other expenses are a couple of thousand dollars alone. Additionally, the job I was working at to try and save money for the trip, The Armory, officially closed on us without notice just a couple weeks ago. Time is slowly ticking as the trip approaches closer and there is only so much I can do as someone trying to make an income and balance being a college student at the same time, but I am trying in anyway I can to make this dream come true.

Above all things, this trip is for me to gain experience, to learn new things, try new things, and to come out of it a more understanding and compassionate individual. Spanish is one of my passions, it is something I want to eventually use for good when given the chance. Studying abroad in Madrid is the opportunity of a lifetime and something that I wouldn’t take for granted for even a second. To anyone who chooses to donate, or anyone who took the time out of the day to let me share my story I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. It means to absolute world to me, and I hope to make this dream a reality and to do as much good as I can while I’m there.